If
any modern vocalist were to challenge Frank Sinatra for
the nickname “The Voice,” our money would be on Chris Cornell.
His stratospheric howling (not to mention his smart, Beatles-touched
songwriting) helped make Soundgarden one of alt-rock’s greatest
acts. His solo records (1999’s Euphoria Morning and
this year’s Carry On) are underappreciated slabs
of try-anything-once goodness. Cornell’s James Bond theme
(“You Know My Name,” from Casino Royale) was the
best since “A View to a Kill.” And that iconic voice was
pretty much the only good thing about Audioslave. The proof
comes this Saturday, when Cornell brings a retrospective-themed
show to Clifton Park. Word has it the set list will include
music from his entire 20-plus-year career. It may even include
“Hunger Strike,” although we’re reasonably certain the role
of Eddie Vedder will be played by someone other than Eddie
Vedder.

Opening the show will be New York-based retro-rock trio
Earl Greyhound. Don’t be put off—they’re an excellent band
despite the lame moniker.

Chris Cornell, with special guests Earl Greyhound, will
perform at Northern Lights (1208 Route 146, Clifton Park)
this Saturday (Nov. 10) at 7 PM. Tickets are $37. To purchase
tickets or for more information, call the box office at
371-0012.

Blame
It on Fidel

The
conflict between the personal and political creates a domestic
crisis for a 9-year-old girl in Julie Gavras’ Blame It
on Fidel. Set in the 1970s, this French film tells the
story of young Anna and her frustrating attempts to understand
the political awakening and activism of her parents.

If the director’s name rings a bell, that’s one for you:
Gavras is the daughter of Constantine Costa-Gavras, legendary
director of such political dramas as Z and Missing.
Blame It on Fidel won an MPAA prize as a “promising
French film.”

Blame
It on Fidel will be screened tomorrow (Friday, Nov.
9) at 7:30 PM and Sunday (Nov. 11) at 5 PM at Time &
Space Limited (434 Columbia St., Hudson). There will also
be screenings Nov. 16 and 18 at TSL. Tickets are $7, $5
members. For more info, call 822-8448.

Tiny
Ninja Theater

“Grand
spectacle on a tiny stage.” For the final offering of Capital
Repertory Theatre’s Biggest Little International Play Fest,
Tiny Ninja Theater presents Hamlet, as performed
by a cast of inch-high plastic ninjas.

The curious brainchild of puppeteer Dov Weinstein and some
carefully selected vending machines, these dime-store actors
portray the Dane and his cohorts as you’ve never seen. Weinstein
voices all 33 roles on behalf of the plastic thespians in
the production, and uses live video feed to magnify the
drama.

According to our own James Yeara, “The most expensively
trained and/or famous actors couldn’t create a Hamlet
whose characters and plot are clearer or more engaging.”

Tiny Ninja Theater’s Hamlet is being presented at
Capital Repertory Theater (111 N. Pearl St., Albany) this
Monday through Thursday (Nov. 12-15) at 7:30 PM. Tickets
are $15-30. For more information, or to make reservations,
call 445-SHOW.